Main menu

RSPCA appeal as cat in ‘truly awful condition’ found in Barry

RSPCA Cymru has launched an appeal for information after a very thin maine coon cat with matted fur and a badly damaged mouth was found in the Barry area.

A member of the public expressed concern after seeing the tabby and white cat in a very poor condition on 16 June. The cat was microchipped – but it is understood the details registered to the chip are out of date.

However, investigations by RSPCA officers suggest the cat was owned by a resident in the local area – and the animal welfare charity is eager to decipher how the cat came to be in such a shocking state.

The cat was found on Claude Road in Barry, and veterinary inspection found the cat had an infected, painful mouth, with major teeth issues, that were likely to have been causing him grief for some while.

Under sedation, a large growth was found in his mouth, which was understood to be cancer and was impacting his ability to eat. Sadly, he had to be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

RSPCA Cymru has called on anyone in the local area who may know where the cat may have come from, or who owned the cat, to get in touch to assist with their enquiries.

Selina Griffiths, RSPCA inspector, said: “This poor maine coon cat was found in a truly awful condition. His spine was clearly felt through his skin, the coat was exceptionally dirty and matted, and the cat was drooling from the mouth.

“Veterinary inspection highlighted the extent of the cat’s mouth damage, with a suspected cancerous lump found under sedation. Sadly, he was put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

“He was found on Claude Road in Barry on June 16 – and the condition was very poor. In addition to the mouth issues, the cat’s fur was very badly matted and he was clearly too thin.

“We understand microchip details on the cat are outdated, but believe this may have been an owned cat living in Barry, from a residential area surrounding Claude Road. Anyone with information about this poor cat is urged to contact us on our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

If you wish to help RSPCA Cymru, you can donate online. The RSPCA is a charity and relies on public donations.